Foreign Bank, HSBC has appointed the new director of the bank. The post will now be held by Naina Lal Kidwai. Kidwai will hold the office from 1st October 2010. Her joining the board on this date is however subject to approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Kidwai and HSBC's relations date back to 2002. She currently holds the office of the country head of Indian operations of the bank.

Michael Geoghegan, chairman of HSBC and group chief executive of HSBC Holdings said, "Naina's appointment to the HSBC board is a reflection of the growing importance of India in our emerging markets strategy."

"We recently announced our third major investment in the country in the last two years and see a range of growth opportunities in areas of strength for HSBC, including in insurance and in serving businesses that trade internationally."

Ms Naina is an eminent member of many Indian government bodies, international institutions and industry associations.

She is a member of the Audit Advisory Board of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Indian Government's National Integration Council as well as Chairman of the City of London's Advisory Council for India.